India15 days
Kang Yatse 2: Lhato Valley Trek and High-Altitude Summit — 15 Days
Climb a 6,250-meter peak via remote Lhato Valley; includes acclimatization in the Indus Valley and ascent of Kang Yatse 2's western summit
This 15-day journey pairs a technical high-altitude climb with a trek through one of Ladakh's least-visited valleys. Participants ascend Kang Yatse 2 (6,250 meters), the western summit of the twin peaks that command the Markha Valley headwaters, via a straightforward route of scree and snow slopes. The approach unfolds in two phases: first, a ground acclimatization loop through the Indus Valley, including Buddhist monasteries and a drive to Kardung La (5,390 meters), one of the world's highest roads; then a seven-day trek through the Lhato Valley, an isolated route used by few trekkers, that gains elevation gradually through two alpine passes before reaching base camp. The climbing day itself—a midnight departure, ten to twelve hours of crampon work on moderate snow and ice, and a descent back to camp—marks the culmination of a carefully sequenced altitude preparation. At 6,250 meters, Kang Yatse 2 offers technical simplicity and high-altitude engagement without the guiding complexity of peaks above 7,000 meters, making it a credible threshold climb for those developing mountaineering competency.
Highlights
- Climb Kang Yatse 2 (6,250 m), a technical introduction to high-altitude mountaineering in the Himalaya
- Trek the remote Lhato Valley, a seldom-traveled approach valley with views toward the Karakoram
- Cross the Chagtsang La (5,200 m) and Kongmaru La (5,290 m) on the trek between base camp and roadhead
- Visit Alchi Monastery and other medieval Buddhist sites in the Indus Valley during acclimatization days
- Drive to Kardung La (5,390 m), one of the world's highest motorable passes, with panoramas of the Zanskar Range
- Hike above Rigyul Sumdo toward Gapo Ri and Dzo Jongo as part of the altitude-gain schedule
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhigroup hotel in Delhi
The tour begins at a group hotel in Delhi. Transfers from Delhi Airport are provided. The afternoon remains unscheduled; participants can rest or settle into the hotel. The tour leader joins for dinner and provides a preliminary briefing on the itinerary ahead.
2Flight to Leh and High-Altitude ArrivalLeh · Delhi's domestic terminal · the hotel · Leh's colorful bazaar
An early breakfast precedes the drive to Delhi's domestic terminal for the one-hour internal flight to Leh (3,524 meters). The flight is remarkable for its close-up views of the twin 7,000-meter massifs Nun and Kun, their peaks dominating the landscape below. On arrival at this significant altitude, a jeep transfer takes the group to the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled—time to rest in your room or beneath the shade of the hotel courtyard as your body begins adjusting to the high elevation. Flying directly into such altitude can leave you breathless, so the first day is deliberately gentle. In the late afternoon, the guide organizes a leisurely walk into Leh's colorful bazaar to visit roadside stalls selling Tibetan artifacts and local goods. The focus here is acclimatization; minimal exertion is best for the first few days at altitude.
3Indus Valley Monasteries and Acclimatization WalkingIndus Valley · Alchi
A full-day sightseeing excursion covers several of the Indus Valley's principal Buddhist monasteries, including Alchi, where monks resident at the site welcome visitors. These monasteries occupy elevated locations with views across the Indus Valley toward the Zanskar Ranges. The walking to and from each site—climbing steps and gaining elevation gently—contributes to the acclimatization process without overexertion.
4Guided Acclimatization Walk from LehLeh
The guide selects an appropriate acclimatization route based on group capability and local conditions, aiming to elevate heart and lung capacity without overload. Duration is typically two to three hours. The day is designed to build tolerance for sustained altitude exposure in advance of the trek.
5Kardung La High-Pass DriveKardung La
A jeep ascends the Kardung La (5,380 meters), one of the world's highest motorable passes, situated in the mountains north of Leh. The 2,000-meter climb provides unobstructed panoramic views across the Zanskar Range beyond the Indus Valley. Stok Kangri stands prominently on the skyline. From the pass saddle itself, views extend toward little-known peaks of the Eastern Karakoram. After tea at the pass, the group descends and returns to the hotel in Leh, having gained significant altitude exposure in a single acclimatization day.
6Transfer to Lhato Valley TrailheadLhato · village of Upshi
A one-hour drive east along the Indus Valley reaches the village of Upshi, where the route turns south onto a road that eventually connects to Manali. After roughly half an hour on this road, the group arrives at Lhato (4,000 meters), a small hamlet at the mouth of the Lhato Valley. The first camp night is spent here under canvas, with ample views of the surrounding terrain. The afternoon is free for continued acclimatization and reconnaissance.
7Lhato to Rigyul Sumdo TrekRigyul Sumdo · Lhato Valley floor
The trek begins by following the stream along the Lhato Valley floor, gradually gaining elevation as the path rises. After approximately one hour, the route crosses the stream and turns north, crossing multiple tributary streams until reaching Rigyul Sumdo (4,600 meters), the confluence of two valleys. This site offers water access and suitable meadowland for a two-night camp. Trekking duration is six to seven hours.
8Acclimatization Day at Rigyul SumdoRigyul Sumdo · above the valley toward the remnant snow patches beneath Gapo Ri and Dzo Jongo
A rest day at camp allows for light hiking above the valley toward the remnant snow patches beneath Gapo Ri and Dzo Jongo. Nomadic shepherds sometimes bring livestock to these alpine meadows in summer; basic drystone enclosures stand adjacent to the campsite. The day's hiking—four to five hours at a gentle pace—builds altitude tolerance without the demand of a full trekking day.
9Rigyul Sumdo to Lhalung Camp via Poze La and Chagtsang LaRigyul Sumdo · Lhalung Camp · Poze La · Chagtsang La
We strike camp and leave the valley that has sheltered us for two nights, beginning with an undulating path that gently climbs toward the Poze La (4953m). The descent on the far side levels out before the terrain rises again, leading toward the Chagtsang La (5200m). This second pass rewards the effort with expansive views of Reponi Mallai Ri, Dzo Jongo, and Gapo Ri—peaks that command attention and warrant a proper rest at the saddle. From here, the trail descends into a beautiful riverside meadow where Lhalung Camp (4838m) sits in a peaceful setting, framed by the high peaks we've just crossed. The day involves six to seven hours of trekking across terrain that combines steady climbing with moments of respite, making it a full but manageable mountain day. Camping. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
10Lhalung Camp to Nimaling Base CampNimaling · Lhalung La · Kang Yatse 2
The trek continues toward the Lhalung La (5,349 meters), reached in approximately two hours of walking. From the pass saddle, direct views open toward Kang Yatse 2, the climb objective. The path then descends into the wide, relatively flat plain of Nimaling, a broad alpine meadow at 4,860 meters, ideal for a base camp. The group ascends to higher ground within the Nimaling meadows to establish camp. Total trekking time is seven hours.
11Rest and Equipment Check at Base CampBase Camp above Nimaling
A full rest day at camp above Nimaling allows for recovery and personal equipment inspection before the summit attempt. Participants review their gear, rest thoroughly, and prepare for an early departure the following morning.
12Ascent of Kang Yatse 2 and Return to CampKang Yatse 2 · camp · snow line · final ridge · base camp · Nimaling
The group departs camp at 1 a.m., walking across scree and rocky terrain by headlamp. Upon reaching the snow line, crampons are fitted and the rope team begins climbing moderately-angled snow and ice slopes. After approximately two hours on snow, steeper terrain leads to a final ridge extending toward the summit. The ridge climbing continues for another two to three hours to the top at 6,250 meters. After time spent on the summit, the descent retraces the ascent route, returning to base camp and then continuing to a lower camp at Nimaling for the final night. Total climbing and descent time is ten to twelve hours.
13Nimaling to Roadhead via Kongmaru LaKongmaru La · Chuskyurmo · Chogdo
The final trekking day climbs the Kongmaru La (5,290 meters) on a well-marked trail, with steep switchbacks for the last 250 meters. Views from the pass open northward toward the Eastern Karakoram foothills and the Chinese border. Behind the group, Kang Yatse dominates the skyline. The descent drops into the narrow gorge at Chuskyurmo (4,155 meters), then continues for several hours through terrain to the village of Chogdo, where vehicles meet the group for the transfer back to Leh. Total trekking time is eight hours.
14Flight to Delhi with Optional City SightseeingLeh · airport-accessible hotel · Qutab Minar · Humayun's Tomb · India Gate · Lutyens Delhi · Raj Ghat
An early start sees the group depart Leh for Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to an airport-accessible hotel for check-in. Depending on flight timing, there is an optional opportunity to visit Delhi's architectural heritage. The sightseeing tour may include the Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, the grand boulevards of Lutyens Delhi, and Raj Ghat—each offering insight into the city's layered history. Those preferring to conserve energy after travel are welcome to remain at the hotel and rest. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
15Departure from DelhiDelhi Airport
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Transfers to Delhi Airport are arranged for your departure. Should you wish to extend your time in India, the tour office can pre-arrange visits to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, the Taj Mahal, or a longer journey through India's classic Golden Triangle. Contact the office for further details and availability.
Included
- A professional English-speaking trek leader
- Delhi Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days only)
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Internal flights
- All accommodation as described
- All meals throughout the trip
- Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Delhi Airport transfers (other than on group arrival and departure days)
- Indian Visa
- Tips for trek staff
- Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Activities: Mountaineer